In wire-feed welding, the electrode is coiled and placed into a welding gun. The wire electrode melts onto a work piece as electricity is fed through it. These electrodes are referred to as "consumable" electrodes because they get used up as welds are created. This process of depositing metal onto a work piece effectively creates a permanent weld on the work piece.
Shielding gases allow for more efficient welding. Shielding gases steady the arc of electricity that streams onto a work piece from the electrode. In MIG welding applications, argon typically is employed as a shielding gas. However, depending on the work piece, argon gas may be combined with other gases, such as carbon dioxide, to create an effective shielding gas.
Wire welding can be extremely dangerous. Only trained individuals should attempt to weld materials using the wire-feed welding method. Proper safety equipment, like welding helmets, should be used while welding. Since the electrode melts onto a work piece in wire-feed welding, the welder continually may have to reload the welding gun with electrodes.